The Sword Arts

A curved light sword used mostly in the middle east and northern Africa. It was well suited for use on horseback and against the light clothing of the typical opponent.

The legendary Damascene steel swords were sharp and flexible. Coming from the smithies of the artisans in Damascus, they were folded over a couple dozen times in the forging process in much the same manner as the Japanese sword makers used in the far east.

Katana

In the English speaking world katana is used to refer to the long sword of the samurai warriors of Japan. In reality the names of the various swords were based on their length, and each size had its own designation. The smaller sword, roughly one to two feet long, worn by a Samurai was referred to as the wakizashi. Smaller than a foot is called a Tanto. Blades are then further classified by the era in which they were made as well as the style of manufacture. Even the way a sword is carried can affect the name applied to it. More detail in another article!

Each of the cultures and weapons had their own nomenclature, their own traditions and their own style of fighting. And while the advent of the firearm has supplanted the use of such weapons, the martial arts community continues to maintain the traditions and history of these magnificent blades.

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